Systems and methods for controlling shelf display units and for graphically presenting information on shelf display units

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for controlling shelf display units and for graphically presenting information on shelf display units are disclosed. A system includes one or more display units configured to be coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more display units, one or more memory components communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory components. When executed by the one or more processors, the machine readable instructions cause the system to determine a product identifier corresponding to a product, identify one or more display units to update in response to determining the product identifier corresponding to the product, and update a graphical output of the one or more display units identified to be updated in response to identifying the one or more display units to update.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.15/144,041, filed on May 2, 2016, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORCONTROLLING SHELF DISPLAY UNITS AND FOR GRAPHICALLY PRESENTINGINFORMATION ON SHELF DISPLAY UNITS,” which claims the benefit of: (i)U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/233,827, entitled “Systems AndMethods For Graphically Presenting Product Location Indications AndAdditional Product Information On Shelf Display Units,” filed Sep. 28,2015, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/156,589, entitled“Systems And Methods For Controlling Shelf Display Units And ForGraphically Presenting Information On Shelf Display Units,” filed May 4,2015, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to shelf display units, and moreparticularly, to systems and methods for controlling shelf display unitsand for graphically presenting information on shelf display units.

BACKGROUND

Products are generally displayed on shelves at a point of purchase. Theshelves may include powered display units that provide informationpertaining to the products displayed on the shelves, or any other typeof information. It may be desirable for the display units to display avariety of information useful to associates working at a store sellingproducts, consumers shopping at a store that sells products, and others.

Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for controllingshelf display units and for graphically presenting information on shelfdisplay units.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system for graphically presenting a productlocation indication on one or more display units includes one or moredisplay units configured to be coupled to shelves of a modular shelvingsystem, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one ormore display units, one or more memory components communicativelycoupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructionsstored in the one or more memory components. When executed by the one ormore processors, the machine readable instructions cause the system todetermine a product identifier corresponding to a product, identify oneor more display units to update in response to determining the productidentifier corresponding to the product, and update a graphical outputof the one or more display units identified to be updated in response toidentifying the one or more display units to update.

In another embodiment, a system for graphically presenting personalizedcontent to a consumer on one or more display units includes one or moredisplay units configured to be coupled to shelves of a modular shelvingsystem, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one ormore display units, one or more memory components communicativelycoupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructionsstored in the one or more memory components. When executed by the one ormore processors, the machine readable instructions cause the system toreceive a consumer identifier, identify content for display to theconsumer based on the consumer identifier, determine a consumerlocation, determine whether the consumer is proximate the one or moredisplay units based on the consumer location, and display the identifiedcontent on the one or more display units in response to determining thatthe consumer is proximate to the one or more display units.

In yet another embodiment, a system for displaying additional productinformation includes one or more display units configured to be coupledto shelves of a modular shelving system, one or more processorscommunicatively coupled to the one or more display units, one or morememory components communicatively coupled to the one or more processors,and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memorycomponents. When executed by the one or more processors, the machinereadable instructions cause the system to associate additional productinformation with a product, determine a location of the product,identify a display unit coupled to a shelf of the modular shelvingsystem that is associated with the product based on the location of theproduct, and display the additional product information on theidentified display unit.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a modular shelvingsystem including a plurality of display units, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a computing network for controlling shelfdisplay units and for graphically presenting information on shelfdisplay units, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 2A schematically depicts an architecture of a computing network forcontrolling shelf display units and for graphically presentinginformation on shelf display units, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts an enterprise computing system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a store computing system, according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting a product location indication on one or moredisplay units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically displaying planogram set information on one or more displayunits coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system during a planogramset, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting shopping list item locations on one or moredisplay units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting personalized content to a consumer on one or moredisplay units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting customized pricing to a consumer on one or moredisplay units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting content associated with a scanned barcode on oneor more display units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgenerating a customer assistance alert, according to one or moreembodiment shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofdisplaying related advertising content on a display unit coupled to ashelf of a modular shelving system, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 13 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgenerating an order for home delivery of a product, according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 14 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofgraphically presenting a product location indication on one or moredisplay units coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 15 graphically illustrates a computer-implemented method ofdisplaying additional product information on a display unit coupled to ashelf of a modular shelving system, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, embodiments described herein aredirected to systems and methods for controlling shelf display units andfor graphically presenting information on shelf display units. Theembodiments herein may display a variety of information useful toassociates working at a store selling products, consumers shopping at astore that sells products, and others. Embodiments of the systems andmethods for controlling shelf display units and for graphicallypresenting information on shelf display units will be described in moredetail herein with reference to the attached figures.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a modular shelving system100 including a first shelving module 110, a second shelving module 120,and a plurality of interfacing uprights 130 is schematically depicted.Each of the first shelving module 110 and the second shelving module 120includes a base 112, a back plane 114, a plurality of shelves 116, and aplurality of display units 118. The back plane 114 is generally planarand extends substantially perpendicularly from the base 112. Theplurality of shelves 116 are secured to the plurality of interfacinguprights 130, each of which includes a plurality of apertures throughwhich corresponding projections of the plurality of shelves 116 may beinserted to mount the plurality of shelves 116 to the shelving modules.The plurality of shelves 116 extend substantially perpendicularly fromthe back plane 114 in a direction that is substantially parallel to thebase 112. The assembly of the shelving modules and the interfacinguprights 130 support the plurality of shelves 116 on which products maybe placed. The plurality of display units 118 extend beneath theplurality of shelves 116 and are operable to display information to aperson near the shelving modules, such as information pertaining toproducts on the plurality of shelves 116, information useful to stockproducts on the plurality of shelves 116, information useful to retrieveproducts from the plurality of shelves 116, and a variety of additionalinformation, as will be described in detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, each of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 is powered by an Ethernet connection or through theback plane 114, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/734,443, entitled “DISPLAY SHELF MODULES WITH PROJECTORS FORDISPLAYING PRODUCT INFORMATION AND MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEMS COMPRISINGTHE SAME,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Inother embodiments, each of the plurality of display units 118 is poweredby a power distribution system. In some embodiments, the plurality ofdisplay units 118 is powered in another manner, such as via batteries,or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, each of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 includes a projector unit and a display screen, asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/734,443, entitled“DISPLAY SHELF MODULES WITH PROJECTORS FOR DISPLAYING PRODUCTINFORMATION AND MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE SAME,” theentirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. In otherembodiments, one or more of the plurality of display units 118 includesa powered display screen, such as a TFT screen, an LCD screen, or thelike. In some embodiments, the modular shelving system 100 may includeone or more additional input or output components, such as a microphone(e.g., for receiving voice input from a consumer), a camera, a barcodereader, a speaker, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of a computing network 200 forcontrolling the plurality of display units 118 and for graphicallypresenting information on the plurality of display units 118 isschematically depicted. In this embodiment, the computing network 200includes an enterprise computing system 300, an enterprise computingnetwork 215, a store computing system 400, a store computing network225, a retail associate device 230, a personal assistant and liaisondevice 240, a mobile computing device 250, and the plurality of displayunits 118.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the computing network 200 includes theenterprise computing network 215 for communicatively coupling theenterprise computing system 300 and the store computing system 400 suchthat data can be exchanged between the enterprise computing system 300and the store computing system 400. The enterprise computing network 215may include one or more computer networks (e.g., a wide area network, apersonal area network, or a local area network), one or more cellularnetworks, one or more satellite networks, or combinations thereof.Accordingly, each of the enterprise computing system 300 and the storecomputing system 400 may be communicatively coupled to the enterprisecomputing network 215 via a wide area network, via a local area network,via a personal area network, via a cellular network, via a satellitenetwork, or the like. Suitable wide area networks may include wired orwireless telecommunications networks that transmit information viacoaxial cables, fiber-optic cables, radio-frequency transmission, or thelike. Suitable local area networks may include wired ethernet and/orwireless technologies such as, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi).Suitable personal area networks may include wireless technologies suchas, for example, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and/orother near field communication protocols. Suitable personal areanetworks may similarly include wired computer buses such as, forexample, USB and FireWire. Suitable cellular networks include, but arenot limited to, technologies such as LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the enterprise computing network 215communicatively couples the enterprise computing system 300 and thestore computing system 400 such that data may be exchanged between thesystems. In some embodiments, the enterprise computing system 300 storesenterprise data and interacts with a plurality of store computingsystems associated with a plurality of stores. For example, theenterprise computing system 300 may be a central computing systemoperated by an owner of a grocery store chain or other retailer thatowns a plurality of stores for selling products. Each of the pluralityof store computing systems may be associated with a store affiliatedwith, owned, or operated by the grocery store chain or other retailer.Each of the plurality of store computing systems may receive informationfrom the enterprise computing system 300 and use the received data,along with other data input to the store computing system by deviceslocated at the store, to interface with and interact with any number ofelectronic components (e.g., cameras, point of sale devices, shelfdisplays, lighting systems, retail associate devices, personal assistantand liaison devices, etc.) at the store.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the enterprise computing system 300 storesenterprise data for distribution to a plurality of store computingsystems, such as the store computing system 400. For example, theenterprise computing system 300 may store product data pertaining toproducts to be sold at one or more store locations, pricing datapertaining to the products to be sold at the one or more storelocations, planogram data pertaining to the placement of products onshelves, label data to be displayed on shelf display units at the one ormore store locations, multimedia content (e.g., pictures, video, sound,or the like), and the like. The enterprise computing system 300 mayfacilitate the interaction with and control of the plurality of displayunits 118 of the modular shelving system, as will be described below.Further components and functionality of the enterprise computing system300 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 below.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the store computing system 400 may receiveinformation from the enterprise computing system 300 and use thereceived data, along with other data input to the store computing systemby devices located at the store, to interface with and interact with anynumber of electronic components (e.g., cameras, point of sale devices,shelf displays, lighting systems, retail associate devices, personalassistant and liaison devices, etc.) at the store. The store computingsystem 400 may also facilitate the interaction with and control of theplurality of display units 118 of the modular shelving system, as willbe described below. Further components and functionality of the storecomputing system 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 below.

Still referring to FIG. 2, each of the enterprise computing system 300and the store computing system 400 may be implemented as one or morecomputing devices, such as but not limited to server computers, personalcomputers, mobile computing devices, and the like. Furthermore, whileeach of the enterprise computing system 300 and the store computingsystem 400 are depicted in FIG. 2 as a single piece of hardware,embodiments are not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, theenterprise computing system 300, the store computing system 400, or boththe enterprise computing system 300 and the store computing system 400may be implemented as a plurality of computing devices interconnected bya network.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the computing network 200 includes the storecomputing network 225 for communicatively coupling the store computingsystem 400 to the retail associate device 230, the personal assistantand liaison device 240, the mobile computing device 250, and theplurality of display units 118, such that data can be exchanged betweenthe components. The store computing network 225 may include one or morecomputer networks (e.g., a wide area network, a personal area network,or a local area network), one or more cellular networks, one or moresatellite networks, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, each of theretail associate device 230, the personal assistant and liaison device240, the mobile computing device 250, and the plurality of display units118 may be communicatively coupled to the store computing network 225via a wide area network, via a local area network, via a personal areanetwork, via a cellular network, via a satellite network, or the like.Suitable wide area networks may include wired or wirelesstelecommunications networks that transmit information via coaxialcables, fiber-optic cables, radio-frequency transmission, or the like.Suitable local area networks may include wired ethernet and/or wirelesstechnologies such as, for example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). Suitablepersonal area networks may include wireless technologies such as, forexample, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and/or othernear field communication protocols. Suitable personal area networks maysimilarly include wired computer buses such as, for example, USB andFireWire. Suitable cellular networks include, but are not limited to,technologies such as LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the store computing network 225communicatively couples the store computing system 400, the retailassociate device 230, the personal assistant and liaison device 240, themobile computing device 250, and the plurality of display units 118 suchthat data may be exchanged between the components of the network. Thestore computing system 400 may receive data from and provide data to theretail associate device 230, the personal assistant and liaison device240, the mobile computing device 250, and the plurality of display units118.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in embodiments, the retail associate device230 is a mobile computing device that may be used by a retail associateat a store to assist in the performance of a variety of functions, suchas restocking shelves, resetting planograms, scanning product SKUs,retrieving products ordered by customers, and the like. The retailassociate device 230 is a computing device that includes a processor, adata storage component, a non-transitory memory component, input/outputhardware, network interface hardware, and a local interface. Theprocessor of the retail associate device 230 includes a processingcomponent configured to receive and execute instructions from the datastorage component of the memory component. The memory component of theretail associate device 230 may be configured as volatile and/ornonvolatile computer readable medium and, as such, may include randomaccess memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of random accessmemory), flash memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatilediscs (DVD), and/or other types of storage components. The data storagedevice or the memory component may be configured to store logic thatcauses the retail associate device 230 to perform the functionsdescribed herein when executed by the processor. The input/outputhardware of the retail associate device 230 may include a display device(e.g., a touch screen, LCD screen, plasma screen, TFT screen, or thelike), a tactile input device (e.g., a keypad, button, keyboard, mouse,or the like), a camera, a barcode reader, a microphone, a speaker, orthe like, for receiving, sending, and/or presenting data. The networkinterface hardware of the retail associate device 230 may include anywired or wireless networking hardware, such as a modem, LAN port,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communicationshardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with the storecomputing network 225 or with other devices. The local interface of theretail associate device 230 may be implemented as a bus or otherinterface to facilitate communication among the components of the retailassociate device 230. While FIG. 2 only depicts a single retailassociate device 230, some embodiments may include a plurality of retailassociate devices, each of which may be carried and used by a differentretail associate.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the personal assistant and liaison device 240is a mobile computing device that may be used by a shopper at a store toperform a variety of functions, such as to scan and pay for products, toaccess shopping lists, or the like. The personal assistant and liaisondevice 240 is a computing device that includes a processor, a datastorage component, a non-transitory memory component, input/outputhardware, network interface hardware, and a local interface. Theprocessor of the personal assistant and liaison device 240 includes aprocessing component configured to receive and execute instructions fromthe data storage component of the memory component. The memory componentof the personal assistant and liaison device 240 may be configured asvolatile and/or nonvolatile computer readable medium and, as such, mayinclude random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other typesof random access memory), flash memory, registers, compact discs (CD),digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of storage components.The data storage device or the memory component may be configured tostore logic that causes the personal assistant and liaison device 240 toperform the functions described herein when executed by the processor.The input/output hardware of the personal assistant and liaison device240 may include a display device (e.g., a touch screen, LCD screen,plasma screen, TFT screen, or the like), a tactile input device (e.g., akeypad, button, keyboard, mouse, or the like), a camera, a barcodereader, a microphone, a speaker, or the like, for receiving, sending,and/or presenting data. The network interface hardware of the personalassistant and liaison device 240 may include any wired or wirelessnetworking hardware, such as a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or otherhardware for communicating with the store computing network 225 or withother devices. The local interface of the personal assistant and liaisondevice 240 may be implemented as a bus or other interface to facilitatecommunication among the components of the personal assistant and liaisondevice 240. While FIG. 2 only depicts a single personal assistant andliaison device 240, some embodiments may include a plurality of personalassistant and liaison devices, each of which may be carried and used bya different customer.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the mobile computing device 250 may be amobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, adedicated mobile media player, a mobile personal computer, a laptopcomputer, and/or any other mobile device including computing components.In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 250 may be used by aretail associate (e.g., when a retail associate uses the mobilecomputing device 250 to perform associate functions instead of theretail associate device 230). In some embodiments, the mobile computingdevice 250 may be used by a customer (e.g., when a customer uses themobile computing device 250 instead of the personal assistant andliaison device 240 while shopping). In some embodiments, the mobilecomputing device 250 may be used by a retail associate or customer inaddition to the retail associate device 230 or the personal assistantand liaison device 240. The mobile computing device 250 is a computingdevice that includes a processor, a data storage component, anon-transitory memory component, input/output hardware, networkinterface hardware, and a local interface. The processor of the mobilecomputing device 250 includes a processing component configured toreceive and execute instructions from the data storage component of thememory component. The memory component of the mobile computing device250 may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile computer readablemedium and, as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM,DRAM, and/or other types of random access memory), flash memory,registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/orother types of storage components. The data storage device or the memorycomponent may be configured to store logic that causes the mobilecomputing device 250 to perform the functions described herein whenexecuted by the processor. The input/output hardware of the mobilecomputing device 250 may include a display device (e.g., a touch screen,LCD screen, plasma screen, TFT screen, or the like), a tactile inputdevice (e.g., a keypad, button, keyboard, mouse, or the like), a camera,a barcode reader, a microphone, a speaker, or the like, for receiving,sending, and/or presenting data. The network interface hardware of themobile computing device 250 may include any wired or wireless networkinghardware, such as a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card,WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware forcommunicating with the store computing network 225 or with otherdevices. The local interface of the mobile computing device 250 may beimplemented as a bus or other interface to facilitate communicationamong the components of the mobile computing device 250. While FIG. 2only depicts a single mobile computing device 250, some embodimentsinclude a plurality of mobile computing devices, each communicativelycoupled to the store computing system 400 by the store computing network225.

While the computing network 200 depicted in FIG. 2 includes both theenterprise computing network 215 and the store computing network 225, itshould be understood that in other embodiments, the enterprise computingsystem 300, the store computing system 400, the retail associate device230, the personal assistant and liaison device 240, the mobile computingdevice, and the plurality of display units 118, may be communicativelycoupled by a single computer network, or by additional computer networksother than the enterprise computing network 215 and the store computingnetwork 225.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, an architecture of a computing network 260 isschematically depicted. The computing network 260 includes theenterprise computing system 300, the store computing system 400, theretail associate device 230, the personal assistant and liaison device240, the plurality of display units 118, a zooter server 262, a gatewayserver 264, a scan-bag-go server 266, and an associate task managerserver 268. Each of the zooter server 262, the gateway server 264, thescan-bag-go server 266, and the associate task manager server 268includes a processor, a data storage component, a non-transitory memorycomponent, input/output hardware, network interface hardware, and alocal interface. Each of the components depicted in FIG. 2A areinterconnected by one or more computing networks, which are notseparately depicted. The associate task manager server 268 relaysinformation between the retail associate device 230 and the storecomputing system 400. The scan-bag-go server 266 relays informationbetween the personal assistant and liaison device 240 and the storecomputing system 400. The gateway server 264 relays information amongthe associate task manager server 268, the scan-bag-go server 266, andthe zooter server 262. The zooter server 262 relays information amongthe gateway server 264, the plurality of display units 118, the personalassistant and liaison device 240, and the retail associate device 230.The specific architecture depicted in FIG. 2A does not limit theembodiments described herein. Other architectures may not include one ormore of the depicted components, such as embodiments that do not includeone or more of the intermediary components (e.g., the associate taskmanager server 268, the scan-bag-go server 266, the gateway server 264,or the zooter server 262).

FIG. 3 depicts additional details regarding the enterprise computingsystem 300 from FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the enterprise computingsystem 300 may be configured as a general purpose computer with therequisite hardware, software, and/or firmware. In some embodiments, theenterprise computing system 300 may be configured as a special purposecomputer designed specifically for performing the functionalitydescribed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the enterprise computing system 300 includes aprocessor 330, input/output hardware 332, network interface hardware334, a data storage component 336, and a non-transitory memory component340. The memory component 340 may be configured as volatile and/ornonvolatile computer readable medium and, as such, may include randomaccess memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of random accessmemory), flash memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatilediscs (DVD), and/or other types of storage components. Additionally, thememory component 340 may be configured to store enterprise dashboardlogic 341, enterprise system integration logic 342, store integrationlogic 343, file transfer logic 344, enterprise gateway logic 345, andoperating logic 346 (each of which may be embodied as a computerprogram, firmware, or hardware, as an example). A local interface 350 isalso included in FIG. 3 and may be implemented as a bus or otherinterface to facilitate communication among the components of theenterprise computing system 300.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the processor 330 may include any processingcomponent configured to receive and execute instructions (such as fromthe data storage component 336 and/or memory component 340). Theinput/output hardware 332 may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse,printer, camera, microphone, speaker, touch-screen, and/or other devicefor receiving, sending, and/or presenting data. The network interfacehardware 334 may include any wired or wireless networking hardware, suchas a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobilecommunications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating withother networks (e.g., the enterprise computing network 215) and/ordevices.

The data storage component 336 may reside local to and/or remote fromthe enterprise computing system 300 and may be configured to store oneor more pieces of data for access by the enterprise computing system 300and/or other components. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the data storagecomponent 336 may store an enterprise data repository 336 a, which mayinclude product data pertaining to products to be sold at one or morestore locations, pricing data pertaining to the products to be sold atthe one or more store locations, planogram data pertaining to theplacement of products on shelves, and label data to be displayed onshelf display units at the one or more store locations, multimediacontent (e.g., pictures, video, sound, or the like). The enterprise datarepository 336 a may be stored in one or more data storage devices. Inanother embodiment, the enterprise computing system 300 may be coupledto a remote server or data storage device that includes at least some ofthe data in the enterprise data repository 336 a. Other data may bestored in the data storage component 336 to provide support forfunctionalities described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the memory component 340 includes theenterprise dashboard logic 341, the enterprise system integration logic342, the store integration logic 343, the file transfer logic 344, theenterprise gateway logic 345, and the operating logic 346. Theenterprise dashboard logic 341 includes machine readable instructionsthat when executed by the processor 330 cause the enterprise computingsystem 300 to display a graphical user interface for managing theenterprise data repository 336 a. In some embodiments, the graphicaluser interface may allow for the management or adjustment of data to betransmitted to the store computing system 400 or to be displayed one theplurality of display units 118. In some embodiments, the graphical userinterface may allow for control of the content displayed on theplurality of display units 118. The enterprise system integration logic342 includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 330 cause the enterprise computing system 300 to processevents from other enterprise services. In some embodiments, theenterprise system integration logic 342 receives and handles planogramevents, such as the updating of planograms. The store integration logic343 includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 330 cause the enterprise computing system 300 to transmitmessages or data to the store computing system 400 or receive messagesor data from the store computing system 400. The file transfer logic 344includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 330 cause the enterprise computing system 300 to transferfiles, such as video or other multimedia files to the store computingsystem 400. In some embodiments, the file transfer logic 344 includes anIBM MQ extension that facilitates the transfer of video files to thestore computing system 400 so that the store computing system 400 causesthe video files to be displayed on at least one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118. The enterprise gateway logic 345 includes machinereadable instructions that when executed by the processor 330 cause theenterprise computing system 300 to transmit messages to or receivemessages from the store computing system 400. In some embodiments, theenterprise gateway logic 345 may transmit and receive all messages toand from the store computing system 400, but may forward or receive onlymessages pertaining to the plurality of display units 118 to the storeintegration logic 343. The operating logic 346 may include an operatingsystem and/or other software for managing components of the enterprisecomputing system 300.

It should be understood that the components illustrated in FIG. 3 aremerely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure. More specifically, while the components in FIG. 3 areillustrated as residing within the enterprise computing system 300, thisis a nonlimiting example. In some embodiments, one or more of thecomponents may reside external to the enterprise computing system 300.

FIG. 4 depicts additional details regarding the store computing system400 from FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the store computing system 400 maybe configured as a general purpose computer with the requisite hardware,software, and/or firmware. In some embodiments, the store computingsystem 400 may be configured as a special purpose computer designedspecifically for performing the functionality described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the store computing system 400 includes aprocessor 430, input/output hardware 432, network interface hardware434, a data storage component 436, and a non-transitory memory component440. The memory component 440 may be configured as volatile and/ornonvolatile computer readable medium and, as such, may include randomaccess memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of random accessmemory), flash memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatilediscs (DVD), and/or other types of storage components. Additionally, thememory component 440 may be configured to store price manager logic 441,enterprise integration logic 442, resource server logic 443, shelfintegration logic 444, RAD integration logic 445, store dashboard logic446, PAL integration logic 447, collector logic 448, file transfer logic449, store gateway logic 450, and operating logic 451 (each of which maybe embodied as a computer program, firmware, or hardware, as anexample). A local interface 460 is also included in FIG. 4 and may beimplemented as a bus or other interface to facilitate communicationamong the components of the store computing system 400.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the processor 430 may include any processingcomponent configured to receive and execute instructions (such as fromthe data storage component 436 and/or memory component 440). Theinput/output hardware 432 may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse,printer, camera, microphone, speaker, touch-screen, and/or other devicefor receiving, sending, and/or presenting data. The network interfacehardware 434 may include any wired or wireless networking hardware, suchas a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobilecommunications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating withother networks (e.g., the enterprise computing network 215 or the storecomputing network 225) and/or devices.

The data storage component 436 may reside local to and/or remote fromthe store computing system 400 and may be configured to store one ormore pieces of data for access by the store computing system 400 and/orother components. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the data storage component436 may store a store data repository 436 a, which may include productdata pertaining to products to be sold at the store, pricing datapertaining to the products to be sold at the store, planogram datapertaining to the placement of products on shelves at the store, andlabel data to be displayed on shelf display units at the store,multimedia content (e.g., pictures, video, or the like). The store datarepository 436 a may be stored in one or more data storage devices. Inanother embodiment, the store computing system 400 may be coupled to aremote server or data storage device that includes at least some of thedata in the store data repository 436 a. Other data may be stored in thedata storage component 436 to provide support for functionalitiesdescribed herein.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the memory component 440 includes the pricemanager logic 441, the enterprise integration logic 442, the resourceserver logic 443, the shelf integration logic 444, the RAD integrationlogic 445, the store dashboard logic 446, the PAL integration logic 447,the collector logic 448, the file transfer logic 449, the store gatewaylogic 450, and the operating logic 451. The collector logic 448 includesmachine readable instructions that when executed by the processor 430cause the store computing system 400 to collect data from a number ofresources (e.g., price data, point of sale information, labelinformation, etc.) and transmits electronic shelf label events to theprice manager logic. The price manager logic 441 includes machinereadable instructions that when executed by the processor 430 cause thestore computing system 400 to process the electronic shelf label eventstransmitted by the collector logic 448. The enterprise integration logic442 includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 430 cause the store computing system 400 to transmit messagesor data to the enterprise computing system 300 or receive messages ordata from the enterprise computing system 300. The resource server logic443 includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 430 cause the store computing system 400 to render image orvideo data, such as tags, banners, tag templates, or video content to bedisplayed on the plurality of display units 118. The shelf integrationlogic 444 sends messages or content to the plurality of display units118 for display by the plurality of display units 118. In someembodiments, the shelf integration logic 444 may be external to thestore computing system 400. The RAD integration logic 445 includesmachine readable instructions that when executed by the processor 430cause the store computing system 400 to receive messages from andtransmits messages to the retail associate device 230. The storedashboard logic 446 includes machine readable instructions that whenexecuted by the processor 430 cause the store computing system 400 todisplay a graphical user interface for managing the store datarepository 436 a. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface mayallow for the management or adjustment of data to be displayed one theplurality of display units 118. In some embodiments, the graphical userinterface may allow for control of the content displayed on theplurality of display units 118. The PAL integration logic 447 includesmachine readable instructions that when executed by the processor 430cause the store computing system 400 to receive messages from andtransmit messages to the personal assistant and liaison device 240. Thefile transfer logic 449 includes machine readable instructions that whenexecuted by the processor 430 cause the store computing system 400 toreceive files, such as video or other multimedia files from theenterprise computing system 300. In some embodiments, the file transferlogic 449 includes an IBM MQ extension that facilitates the transfer ofvideo files to the store computing system 400. The store gateway logic450 includes machine readable instructions that when executed by theprocessor 430 cause the store computing system 400 to transmit messagesto or receive messages from the enterprise computing system 300. In someembodiments, the store gateway logic 450 may transmit and receive allmessages to and from the enterprise computing system 300, but mayforward or receive only messages pertaining to the plurality of displayunits 118 to the enterprise integration logic 442. The operating logic451 may include an operating system and/or other software for managingcomponents of the store computing system 400.

It should be understood that the components illustrated in FIG. 4 aremerely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure. More specifically, while the components in FIG. 4 areillustrated as residing within the store computing system 400, this is anonlimiting example. In some embodiments, one or more of the componentsmay reside external to the store computing system 400.

Referring now to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a flowchart thatgraphically illustrates a method 500 of graphically presenting a productlocation indication on at least one of the plurality of display units118 is provided. As will be apparent from the description below, themethod 500 may facilitate an associate's stocking of products on theplurality of shelves 116 by presenting a product location indication onthe plurality of display units 118, such that the plurality of displayunits 118 provide a visual cue for the associate as to the appropriatelocation to stock the product on the plurality of shelves 116. Such avisual cue may allow the associate to quickly and accurately identifythe appropriate location to stock the product, thereby increasing thespeed and accuracy of stocking products on the plurality of shelves 116.

Still referring to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 502, inputindicative of a request that the plurality of display units 118 enter aproduct stocking mode may be received. For example, in some embodiments,an associate tasked with stocking a particular product on the pluralityof shelves 116 may provide input indicative of the request for theplurality of display units 118 to enter the product stocking mode viamanipulation of a touchscreen or tactile input device of the retailassociate device 230. In other embodiments, the input indicative of therequest for the plurality of display units 118 to enter the productstocking mode may be received via manipulation of a touchscreen ortactile input device of the mobile computing device 250. In otherembodiments, the input indicative of the request for the plurality ofdisplay units 118 to enter the product stocking mode may be receivedfrom the plurality of display units 118, such as in embodiments in whichthe plurality of display units 118 include a touchscreen interface orinclude tactile input hardware, such as buttons, keypads, or the like.In some embodiments, the input indicative of the request for theplurality of display units 118 to enter the product stocking mode may bevoice input received by a microphone of the retail associate device 230,the mobile computing device 250, or the plurality of display units 118.In some embodiments, the input indicative of the request for theplurality of display units 118 to enter the product stocking mode may betransmitted by the retail associate device 230, the mobile computingdevice 250, or the plurality of display units 118 to the store computingsystem 400 via the store computing network 225. In such embodiments, thestore computing system 400 may receive the input indicative of therequest for the plurality of display units 118 to enter the productstocking mode.

Still referring to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 504, in responseto receiving the input indicative of the request to enter productstocking mode, a graphical output of the plurality of display units 118may be changed to indicate that the plurality of display units 118 arein a stocking mode. In some embodiments in which the store computingsystem 400 receives the input indicative of the request for theplurality of display units 118 to enter the product stocking mode, thestore computing system 400 may transmit a message to the plurality ofdisplay units 118 that causes the graphical output of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 to change. In some embodiments, the plurality ofdisplay units 118 may display a solid color (e.g., black, gray, blue, orthe like) when in stocking mode. In other embodiments, the plurality ofdisplay units 118 may provide a different graphical indication that theplurality of display units 118 are in the stocking mode, such as bydisplaying the words “STOCKING MODE,” or another alphanumeric graphicaloutput. In some embodiments, the graphical output of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 may not be changed to indicate that the plurality ofdisplay units 118 are in a stocking mode, such as embodiments that donot change the graphical output of the plurality of display units 118until after the a product identifier corresponding to a product to bestocked is determined. In some embodiments, only the graphical output ofa subset of the plurality of display units 118 is changed in response toreceiving the request to enter product stocking mode.

Still referring to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 506, afterreceiving input indicative of a request that the plurality of displayunits 118 enter the product stocking mode, a product identifiercorresponding to a product to be stocked on the plurality of shelves 116may be determined. In some embodiments, the product identifier may bedetermined by scanning a barcode (e.g., a UPC code, a QR code, a onedimensional bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or the like) on aproduct to be stocked on the plurality of shelves 116 and determiningthe product identifier based on the scanned barcode. In someembodiments, the product identifier may be determined by scanning abarcode displayed on the plurality of display units 118, such as inembodiments in which at least one of the plurality of display units 118displays a barcode proximate to a corresponding product stocked on theshelf above or below the displayed barcode. In some embodiments, thebarcode may be scanned with a barcode reader or camera of the retailassociate device 230 operated by an associate tasked with stocking theproduct in the appropriate location on the plurality of shelves 116. Insome embodiments, the barcode may be scanned with a barcode reader orcamera of the mobile computing device 250 operated by an associatetasked with stocking the product in the appropriate location on theplurality of shelves 116. In some embodiments, the barcode may bescanned with a barcode reader or camera mounted on or near the pluralityof shelves 116, such as in embodiments in which a barcode reader orcamera is integrated with or attached to the plurality of display units118. In embodiments in which the barcode of the product is scanned, theproduct identifier may be determined by decoding the scanned barcode. Insome embodiments, the product identifier is a sequence of digits (e.g.,the sequence of digits represented by a UPC code), though embodimentsare not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the product identifier maybe determined by capturing an image of the product to be stocked andutilizing object recognition software to recognize the product from theimage and determine the product identifier based on the recognizedimage. In some embodiments, the product identifier may be input viainput hardware other than a barcode reader or camera, such as atouchscreen, a keypad, or a keyboard. In some embodiments, the productidentifier may be voice input (e.g., voice input indicative of adescription of a product, a product name, a UPC code associated with theproduct, or the like) may be received by a microphone of the retailassociate device 230, the mobile computing device 250, or the pluralityof display units 118. In some embodiments, the product identifier may bedetermined by the retail associate device 230, the mobile computingdevice 250, or the plurality of display units 118 and transmitted by theretail associate device 230, the mobile computing device 250, or theplurality of display units 118 to the store computing system 400 via thestore computing network 225. In some embodiments, the retail associatedevice 230, the mobile computing device 250, or the plurality of displayunits 118 concurrently or separately transmit a request to the storecomputing system 400 to display on at least one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 where the product associated with the productidentifier should be stocked. In embodiments in which the productidentifier is transmitted to the store computing system 400 via thestore computing network 225, the store computing system 400 (e.g., theRAD integration logic 445 of the store computing system 400 in someembodiments) receives the product identifier. In other embodiments, thestore computing system 400 may determine the product identifier based onimage data transmitted from the retail associate device 230, the mobilecomputing device 250, or the plurality of display units 118.

Still referring to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 508, in responseto determining the product identifier corresponding to the product to bestocked on the plurality of shelves 116, at least one of the pluralityof display units 118 to update may be identified. In some embodiments,the display units to be updated may be identified by the store computingsystem 400 based on planogram data stored in the store data repository436 a or planogram data stored in the enterprise data repository 336 athat maps the product identifier to one or more of the plurality ofdisplay units 118.

Still referring to FIG. 5 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 510, in responseto identifying the one or more display units to update, a graphicaloutput of the one or more display units identified to be updated inblock 508 may be updated to present a product location indication. Insome embodiments, the product location indication may be indicative of alocation on a shelf above or below the one or more display units wherethe product is to be stocked. In some embodiments, the graphical outputof one or more of the identified display units may be updated to includean arrow pointing to the location on the plurality of shelves 116 thatthe product is to be placed. In some embodiments, the graphical outputof one or more of the identified display units may be updated to includean animation indicative of the location on the plurality of shelves 116that the product is to be placed. In some embodiments, a color of thebackground of one or more of the identified display units may be changedrelative to the background of the display units that are not associatedwith the product to be stocked. In other embodiments, a graphical outputof the identified display units may be updated in a different manner tographically distinguish the display units associated with the product tobe stocked from the other display units. By presenting the productlocation indication on the appropriate display unit or display units, anassociate's stocking of the product on the plurality of shelves 116 maybe facilitated by providing the associate with a visual cue that allowsthe associate to quickly and accurately identify the appropriatelocation to stock the product, thereby increasing the speed and accuracyof stocking products on the plurality of shelves 116. In someembodiments, the graphical output of the one or more display unitsidentified to be updated may be updated to present the product locationindication in response to a message and/or content transmitted from thestore computing system 400 to the one or more display units 118 via thestore computing network 225. In some embodiments, the resource serverlogic 443 of the store computing system 400 may render the image orvideo data to be displayed on the plurality of display units 118 as theupdated graphical output. In some embodiments, the shelf integrationlogic 444 of the store computing system 400 sends the message or contentto the plurality of display units 118 that cause the graphical output tobe updated. In some embodiments, an audible product location indicationmay be provided by a speaker positioned near the location where theproduct is to be stocked

In some embodiments, after the graphical output of the one or moredisplay units is updated, an update confirmation may be generated andtransmitted. For example, the store computing system 400 may generatesuch an update confirmation message and transmit the message to theretail associate device 230 or the mobile computing device 250.

Although blocks 502-510 have been described as being separate tasks, inother embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further, whilethe tasks of blocks 502-510 have been described as being performed in aparticular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may be performed in adifferent order.

Referring now to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a flowchart thatgraphically illustrates a method 600 of graphically displaying planogramset information during a planogram set is provided. As will be apparentfrom the description below, the method 600 may facilitate the setting ofone or more products on the plurality of shelves 116 according to aplanogram that maps one or more products to particular locations on theplurality of shelves 116. For example, by graphically displayingplanogram set information, a visual cue may be provided (e.g., a visualcue as to the placement of products or changes that need to be made tothe placement of products) to an associate tasked with setting theproducts according to the planogram. Such visual cues may allow theassociate to quickly and accurately identify the appropriate location toset products or the changes that need to be made to the placement of theproducts according to the planogram, thereby increasing the speed andaccuracy of setting products on the plurality of shelves 116 accordingto a particular planogram.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 602, inputindicative of a request to set a planogram may be received. For example,in some embodiments, an associate tasked with setting one or moreproducts on the plurality of shelves 116 according to a particularplanogram may provide input indicative of the request to set a planogramvia manipulation of a touchscreen or tactile input device of the retailassociate device 230. In other embodiments, the input indicative of therequest to set a planogram may be received via manipulation of atouchscreen or tactile input device of the mobile computing device 250.In other embodiments, the input indicative of the request to set aplanogram may be received from the plurality of display units 118, suchas in embodiments in which the plurality of display units 118 include atouchscreen interface or include tactile input hardware, such asbuttons, keypads, or the like. In some embodiments, the input indicativeof the request to set a planogram may be transmitted by the retailassociate device 230, the mobile computing device 250, or the pluralityof display units 118 to the store computing system 400 via the storecomputing network 225. In such embodiments, the store computing system400 may receive the input indicative of the request to set a planogram.In some embodiments, the request to set a planogram may be generated bythe store computing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300,such as in embodiments in which a user indicates a desire to set aplanogram via a graphical user interface associated with the storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 604, in responseto receiving the request to set a planogram, the particular planogram tobe set is determined. In some embodiments, the planogram to be set isretrieved from the store data repository 446 a or the enterprise datarepository 336 a (e.g., when the enterprise computing system 300transmits the planogram to be set to the store computing system 400). Insome embodiments, the particular planogram to be set may be determined:by scanning a barcode of a product to be set according to the planogram(e.g., in the manner described above with respect to block 506), byscanning a barcode or other product identifier displayed on theplurality of display units 118 associated with a product to be setaccording to the planogram, by inputting the planogram to be set, or thelike. In embodiments in which the planogram to be set is determinedbased on scanning a barcode of a product or a barcode displayed on theplurality of display units 118, the store computing system 400 and/orthe enterprise computing system 300 may retrieve the planogram to be setfrom the store data repository 446 a and/or the enterprise datarepository 336 a based on a product identifier determined from thescanned barcode.

Still referring to block 604, some embodiments may determine theplanogram to be set based on sales plans (e.g. what is on sale, what isnot on sale, etc.), planogram information, inventory information, pastsales data (e.g., the velocity of sales of one or more items), or thelike, retrieved from the store data repository 446 a and/or theenterprise data repository 336 a. For example, in some embodiments, theenterprise computing system 300 may determine a planogram to be set at astore based on sales plans, planogram information, inventoryinformation, past sales data, or the like contained in the enterprisedata repository 336 a. The determined planogram may then be transmittedfrom the enterprise computing system 300 to the store computing system400, such that the store computing system 400 can effectuate the settingof the determined planogram. By dynamically determining the planogram tobe set based on sales plans, sales data, and the like, an algorithm maybe able to determine how best to place items on the plurality of shelvesfor upcoming sales events. Some embodiments may not include block 602such as embodiments in which a single planogram includes the mapping ofproduct placement to all of the plurality of shelves 116 located withina single store.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 606, in responseto determining the planogram to be set, at least one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 to be updated may be identified. In some embodiments,the display units to be updated may be identified by the store computingsystem 400 based on planogram data stored in the store data repository436 a or planogram data stored in the enterprise data repository 336 athat maps the planogram to be set to one or more of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 coupled to the plurality of shelves 116 on which theproducts associated with the planogram are to be set.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 608, in responseto identifying the one or more display units to update, a graphicaloutput of the one or more display units identified to be updated inblock 606 may be updated to graphically present planogram setinformation associated with the identified planogram to be set. In someembodiments, the graphically presented planogram set information mayprovide a visual indication of changes to be made to the currentplacement of the products on the plurality of shelves 116 such that theproducts will be placed on the plurality of shelves 116 according to theplanogram to be set. In some embodiments, the changes to be made to thecurrent placement of products may be determined by comparing theplanogram to be set with a prior planogram located in the store datarepository 446 a or the enterprise data repository 336 a. Thegraphically presented planogram set information may include differentcolors associated with actions to be taken (e.g., displaying green wherea product is to be added, displaying red where a product is to beremoved, or the like). In some embodiments, the graphically presentedplanogram set information may include an animation such as a visualcontraction or expansion of an area where a product is to be setaccording to the planogram. In some embodiments, the graphicallypresented planogram set information may be indicative of a location on ashelf above or below the one or more display units where a particularproduct is to be set according to the planogram. In some embodiments,the graphically presented planogram set information may include an arrowpointing to the location on the plurality of shelves 116 that aparticular product is to be set according to the planogram. In someembodiments, the graphical output of the one or more display unitsidentified to be updated may be updated to present the planogram setinformation in response to a message and/or content transmitted from thestore computing system 400 to the one or more display units 118 via thestore computing network 225. In some embodiments, the resource serverlogic 443 of the store computing system 400 may render the image orvideo data to be displayed on the plurality of display units 118 as theupdated graphical output. In some embodiments, the shelf integrationlogic 444 of the store computing system 400 sends the message or contentto the plurality of display units 118 that cause the graphical output tobe updated.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 610, inputindicative of a completion of the planogram set may be received. Forexample, in some embodiments, an associate tasked with setting productson the plurality of shelves 116 according to the particular planogrammay provide input indicative of the completion of the planogram set viamanipulation of a touchscreen or tactile input device of the retailassociate device 230 when the associate has completed setting theplanogram. In other embodiments, the input indicative of the completionof the planogram set may be received via manipulation of a touchscreenor tactile input device of the mobile computing device 250. In otherembodiments, the input indicative of the completion of the planogram setmay be received from the plurality of display units 118, such as inembodiments in which the plurality of display units 118 include atouchscreen interface or include tactile input hardware, such asbuttons, keypads, or the like. In some embodiments, the input indicativeof the completion of the planogram set may be transmitted by the retailassociate device 230, the mobile computing device 250, or the pluralityof display units 118 to the store computing system 400 via the storecomputing network 225. In such embodiments, the store computing system400 may receive the input indicative of the completion of the planogramset.

Still referring to FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 612, in responseto receiving the input indicative of the completion of the planogramset, the plurality of display units 118 may be changed to a consumermode. In some embodiments, when the plurality of display units 118 arechanged to the consumer mode, a graphical output of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 presents graphical consumer information, such asproduct tags, price tags, coupons, discounts, or the like.

Although blocks 602-612 have been described as being separate tasks, inother embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further, whilethe tasks of blocks 602-612 have been described as being performed in aparticular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may be performed in adifferent order.

Referring now to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a flowchart thatgraphically illustrates a method 700 of graphically presenting shoppinglist item locations on one or more of the plurality of display units 118coupled to the plurality of shelves 116 of the modular shelving system100 is provided. As will be apparent from the description below, themethod 700 may help a consumer quickly and accurately locate items onthe consumer's shopping list by displaying shopping list item locationson one or more of the plurality of display units 118 so that theconsumer's attention is drawn to the location on the plurality ofshelves 116 at which the item is located.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 702, a consumermay login or otherwise authenticate with the system. In someembodiments, the consumer may login by providing input to the personalassistant and liaison device 240, such as by entering a username andpassword on a keypad of the device or by scanning a loyalty cardassociated with the consumer with a barcode reader of the device. Insome embodiments, the consumer may login with the mobile computingdevice 250, such as by logging into a smartphone application provided bythe store. In some embodiments, the consumer login may cause the storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300 to receive aconsumer login message that includes a consumer identifier. The storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300 may providea message to one or more components of the store computing system 400 orthe enterprise computing system 300 including the consumer identifier.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 704, a shoppinglist associated with the consumer identifier is retrieved. In someembodiments, the store computing system 400 may receive the customeridentifier from the personal assistant and liaison device 240 or themobile computing device 250, the store computing system 400 may requestthe shopping list associated with the customer identifier from theenterprise computing system 300, and the enterprise computing system 300may transmit the shopping list associated with the customer identifierto the store computing system 400 to be used for graphically presentingshopping list item locations on one or more of the plurality of displayunits 118 as described below. In other embodiments, the shopping listmay be retrieved in another manner, such as directly from the personalassistant and liaison device 240 or directly from the mobile computingdevice 250.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 706, one or moreitems are identified from the shopping list. In some embodiments, theidentified items are a list of product identifiers, such as UPC codesassociated with the shopping list. The items included in the list aretypically added to the list previously by the consumer, such as by a webinterface, with the mobile computing device 250, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 708, the displayunits proximate the items are identified. In some embodiments, one ormore display units proximate each of the items are identified. In someembodiments, the display units proximate a shopping list item may beidentified by the store computing system 400 based on planogram datastored in the store data repository 436 a or planogram data stored inthe enterprise data repository 336 a that maps the shopping list item toone or more of the plurality of display units 118 coupled to theplurality of shelves 116 on which the shopping list item is located.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 710, it isdetermined whether a location of the consumer is available. If theconsumer location is available at block 710, the consumer location isdetermined at block 712. In some embodiments, the consumer location isdetermined based on a signal received from a global positioning systemreceiver embedded in the personal assistant and liaison device 240 orthe mobile computing device 250. In other embodiments, the consumerlocation is determined based on a location of a receiver that wirelesslycommunicates with the personal assistant and liaison device 240 or themobile computing device 250. In some embodiments, the location of theconsumer is mapped to a store coordinate system, such as a storecoordinate system that is associated with planogram data so that theconsumer location can be mapped to shelves or display units proximatethe consumer location. The consumer location may be determined in otherways, such as based on image data from one or more imaging devicescoupled to the mobile computing device 250, the personal assistant andliaison device 240, or the store computing system 400.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 714, it isdetermined whether the consumer is near a shopping list item. In someembodiments, the consumer is determined to be near a shopping list itembased on the consumer location, such as when the consumer is determinedto be near a shopping list item when the consumer location is within athreshold distance of a display unit identified as proximate theshopping list item. In other embodiments, the consumer is determined tobe near a shopping list item when the consumer location is determined tobe in the same aisle within the store as the shopping list item.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), if the consumer isdetermined to be near the shopping list item, one or more of theplurality of display units 118 identified as proximate the shopping listitem at block 708 may be updated to graphically present a shopping listitem location at block 716. In some embodiments, the shopping list itemlocation may be a color, a graphic, an arrow, or the like. In otherembodiments, the shopping list item location may be an animation orvideo. Graphically presenting the shopping list item location on the oneor more display units may draw the consumer's attention to the locationon the plurality of shelves 116 at which the shopping list item islocated, thereby aiding the consumer to quickly and accurately locateitems on the consumer's shopping list. In some embodiments, an audibleshopping item list indication may be provided by a speaker positionednear the location where the shopping list item is located.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 718, it isdetermined whether the consumer has left the store. In some embodiments,the consumer is determined to have left the store based on a comparisonof the current consumer location to a grid of the store area. If theconsumer has not left the store, the method returns to block 714 todetermine whether the consumer is near a shopping list item. If theconsumer is determined to have left the store at block 718, any of theplurality of display units 118 that were updated to graphically presentshopping list item locations may be updated at block 720 to remove theshopping list item locations, such as by updating the displays to returnto a consumer mode in which the graphical output of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 presents graphical consumer information, such asproduct tags, price tags, coupons, discounts, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), if the consumer locationis not available at block 710, one or more display units associated withmultiple shopping list items may be updated to graphically present theshopping list item locations at block 722. For example, in someembodiments, one or more of the plurality of display units 118 proximateeach shopping list item may be updated to graphically present a shoppinglist item location such that shopping list indications for everyshopping list item are displayed among the plurality of display units118. In some embodiments, if the consumer location is not available atblock 710, no display units are updated to graphically present theshopping list item locations because graphically presenting shoppinglist notifications may be confusing to other consumers and may not beuseful when a location of a consumer is not known.

Still referring to FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 724, it isdetermined whether the consumer has left the store. In some embodiments,the consumer is determined to have left the store based on a comparisonof the current consumer location to a grid of the store area. If theconsumer is determined to have left the store at block 724, any of theplurality of display units 118 that were updated to graphically presentshopping list item locations may be updated at block 720 to remove theshopping list item locations, such as by updating the displays to returnto a consumer mode in which the graphical output of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 presents graphical consumer information, such asproduct tags, price tags, coupons, discounts, or the like. If theconsumer is determined not to have left the store at block 724, themethod returns to block 724.

Although blocks 702-724 have been described as being separate tasks, inother embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further, whilethe tasks of blocks 702-724 have been described as being performed in aparticular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may be performed in adifferent order.

Referring now to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a flowchart thatgraphically illustrates a method 800 of graphically presentingpersonalized content to a consumer on one or more of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 coupled to the plurality of shelves 116 of the modularshelving system 100 is provided. At block 802, a consumer may login orotherwise authenticate with the system. In some embodiments, theconsumer may login by providing input to the personal assistant andliaison device 240, such as by entering a username and password on akeypad of the device or by scanning a loyalty card associated with theconsumer with a barcode reader of the device. In some embodiments, theconsumer may login with the mobile computing device 250, such as bylogging into a smartphone application provided by the store. In someembodiments, the consumer login may cause the store computing system 400or the enterprise computing system 300 to receive a consumer loginmessage that includes a consumer identifier. The store computing system400 or the enterprise computing system 300 may provide a message to oneor more components of the store computing system 400 or the enterprisecomputing system 300 including the consumer identifier.

Still referring to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 804, content fordisplay to the consumer is identified. In some embodiments, the contentis identified based on the consumer identifier, such as when the storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300 retrievescontent for display to the consumer based on the consumer identifier. Insome embodiments, the content includes store event data generated by thestore computing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300, suchas a message that a consumer's deli order is ready to be picked up, amessage that a consumer's pharmacy order is ready to be picked up, orthe like. In some embodiments, the content may include special offers,promotions, advertisements, or the like. The content may be textmessages, sound, images, videos, or the like. In some embodiments, thecontent to be displayed may be identified based on preferences set in auser profile, such as preferences that only certain types of content aredisplayed on the plurality of display units 118.

Still referring to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 806, theconsumer location is determined. In some embodiments, the consumerlocation is determined based on a signal received from a globalpositioning system receiver embedded in the personal assistant andliaison device 240 or the mobile computing device 250. In otherembodiments, the consumer location is determined based on a location ofa receiver that wirelessly communicates with the personal assistant andliaison device 240 or the mobile computing device 250. In someembodiments, the location of the consumer is mapped to a storecoordinate system, such as a store coordinate system that is associatedwith planogram data so that the consumer location can be mapped toshelves or display units proximate the consumer location. The consumerlocation may be determined in other ways, such as based on image datafrom one or more imaging devices coupled to the mobile computing device250, the personal assistant and liaison device 240, or the storecomputing system 400. In some embodiments, the consumer location may belogged and location events (e.g., an event indicative that a consumerhas entered a store, an event indicative that a consumer has exited astore, etc.) may be generated and stored in memory. In some embodiments,if the consumer location cannot be determined or is unavailable, themethod 800 ends.

Still referring to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 808, it isdetermined whether the consumer is proximate one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118. In some embodiments, the consumer is determined to beproximate a display unit based on the consumer location, such as whenthe consumer is determined to be near a display unit when the consumerlocation is within a threshold distance of a display unit. In someembodiments, the consumer is determined to be proximate a display unitbased on a location grid stored in the memory of the store computingsystem 400 or the enterprise computing system 300. In some embodiments,only a subset of the plurality of display units 118 may be appropriatefor the display of consumer content. In such embodiments, block 808 mayinclude determining whether the consumer is proximate one of the subsetof display units.

Still referring to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 810, in responseto determining that the consumer is proximate to the display unit,content is displayed to the consumer on the display unit identified atblock 808. The graphical output of the display unit may be updated toreflect the content to be displayed. In some embodiments, the contentmay be formatted to be displayed by the display unit by the storecomputing system 400, and published to the display unit by transmittinga message including the content from the store computing system 400 tothe display unit, along with an instruction to display the content onthe display unit. In some embodiments, audible content may be providedby a speaker positioned near the consumer.

Still referring to FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 812, contentdisplayed on the display unit at block 810 may be removed. In someembodiments, the content is removed after a predetermined period of timehas elapsed. In other embodiments, the content is removed in response todetermining, based on the consumer location, that the consumer is nolonger proximate the display unit.

Although blocks 802-812 have been described as being separate tasks, inother embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further, whilethe tasks of blocks 802-812 have been described as being performed in aparticular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may be performed in adifferent order.

Referring now to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 900 of graphicallypresenting custom price information to a consumer on one or more of theplurality of display units 118 coupled to the plurality of shelves 116of the modular shelving system 100 is provided. At block 902, a consumermay login or otherwise authenticate with the system. In someembodiments, the consumer may login by providing input to the personalassistant and liaison device 240, such as by entering a username andpassword on a keypad of the device or by scanning a loyalty cardassociated with the consumer with a barcode reader of the device. Insome embodiments, the consumer may login with the mobile computingdevice 250, such as by logging into a smartphone application provided bythe store. In some embodiments, the consumer login may cause the storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300 to receive aconsumer login message that includes a consumer identifier. The storecomputing system 400 or the enterprise computing system 300 may providea message to one or more components of the store computing system 400 orthe enterprise computing system 300 including the consumer identifier.

Still referring to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 904, customprices for one or more products are calculated for the consumer based onthe consumer identifier. In some embodiments, the custom prices arecalculated based on prior shopping history of the consumer, consumerdemographics, time of day, frequency of consumer shopping, or any otherfactor. In some embodiments, digital coupons or discounts are createdand assigned to a loyalty card, or otherwise associated with theconsumer.

Still referring to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 906, theconsumer location is determined. In some embodiments, the consumerlocation is determined based on a signal received from a globalpositioning system receiver embedded in the personal assistant andliaison device 240 or the mobile computing device 250. In otherembodiments, the consumer location is determined based on a location ofa receiver that wirelessly communicates with the personal assistant andliaison device 240 or the mobile computing device 250. In someembodiments, the location of the consumer is mapped to a storecoordinate system, such as a store coordinate system that is associatedwith planogram data so that the consumer location can be mapped toshelves or display units proximate the consumer location. The consumerlocation may be determined in other ways, such as based on image datafrom one or more imaging devices coupled to the mobile computing device250, the personal assistant and liaison device 240, or the storecomputing system 400. In some embodiments, the consumer location may belogged and location events (e.g., an event indicative that a consumerhas entered a store, an event indicative that a consumer has exited astore, etc.) may be generated and stored in memory. In some embodiments,if the consumer location cannot be determined or is unavailable, themethod 900 ends.

Still referring to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 908, it isdetermined whether the consumer is proximate one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 that is associated with a product for which a customprice has been calculated for the consumer. In some embodiments, theconsumer is determined to be proximate such a display unit based on theconsumer location, such as when the consumer is determined to be nearsuch a display unit when the consumer location is within a thresholddistance of such a display unit. In some embodiments, the consumer isdetermined to be proximate such a display unit based on a location gridstored in the memory of the store computing system 400 or the enterprisecomputing system 300. In some embodiments, only a subset of theplurality of display units 118 may be appropriate for the display ofconsumer content. In such embodiments, block 908 may include determiningwhether the consumer is proximate one of the subset of display units.

Still referring to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 910, in responseto determining that the consumer is proximate to a display unitassociated with a product for which a custom price has been calculatedfor the consumer, the custom price for the associated product isdisplayed to the consumer on the display unit. In some embodiments,other information, such as a digital coupon indicator, a percentagesavings indicator, or the like, may be displayed. In some embodiments,the custom price is displayed when it is determined that anothercustomer is not proximate the display unit because it may be undesirableto display a custom price intended for a particular customer to anothercustomer who may not have access to a custom price for a product.

Still referring to FIG. 9 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 912, customprice information displayed on the display unit at block 910 may beremoved. In some embodiments, the custom price is removed after apredetermined period of time has elapsed. In other embodiments, thecustom price is removed in response to determining, based on theconsumer location, that the consumer is no longer proximate the displayunit. In other embodiments, the custom price is removed in response todetermining that another customer is proximate the display unit.

Although blocks 902-912 have been described as being separate tasks, inother embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further, whilethe tasks of blocks 902-912 have been described as being performed in aparticular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may be performed in adifferent order.

Referring now to FIG. 10 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 1000 ofgraphically presenting content associated with a scanned barcode on oneor more of the plurality of display units 118 coupled to the pluralityof shelves 116 of the modular shelving system 100 is provided. At block1002, a barcode is displayed on one of the plurality of display units118. The displayed barcode may be a UPC code, a QR code, a onedimensional bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or the like. In someembodiments, the barcode is associated with a product located on one ofthe plurality of shelves 116 that is above or below the displayedbarcode.

Still referring to FIG. 10 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1004, anindication that the displayed barcode has been scanned may be received.For example, in some embodiments the barcode displayed at block 1002 maybe scanned with a barcode reader or camera of the personal assistant andliaison device 240 operated by a consumer seeking to view contentassociated with the scanned barcode. In some embodiments, the barcodemay be scanned with a barcode reader or camera of the mobile computingdevice 250 operated by a consumer seeking to view content associatedwith the scanned barcode. In some embodiments (e.g., when the barcode isscanned by the personal assistant and liaison device 240), theindication may be received by the store computing system 400 over thestore computing network 225. In some embodiments (e.g., when the barcodeis scanned by the mobile computing device 250), the indication that thebarcode has been scanned may be received by the store computing system400 over the internet, such as when the mobile computing device 250sends a message to the enterprise computing system 300 over the internetand the enterprise computing system 300 identifies the store computingsystem of the store where the barcode was scanned based on a storeidentifier in the message, and the enterprise computing system 300transmits the message to the store computing system 400 of the storewhere the barcode was scanned. In some embodiments, in response to thebarcode being scanned by the personal assistant and liaison device 240or the mobile computing device 250, the store computing system 400 orthe enterprise computing system 300 may receive a message including astore identifier, a shelf identifier, a display unit identifier, abarcode identifier, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 10 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1006, contentassociated with the scanned barcode may be retrieved, such as from thestore data repository 446 a and/or the enterprise data repository 336 a.In some embodiments, the retrieved content may be additional informationassociated with a product (e.g., a product located on one of theplurality of shelves 116 that is above or below the scanned barcode), avideo, an image, a coupon, an advertisement, a marketing offer, or thelike.

Still referring to FIG. 10 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1008, contentis displayed on the display unit that initially displayed the scannedbarcode or a display unit proximate that display unit. The graphicaloutput of the display unit may be updated to reflect the content to bedisplayed. In some embodiments, the content may be formatted to bedisplayed by the display unit by the store computing system 400, andpublished to the display unit by transmitting a message including thecontent from the store computing system 400 to the display unit, alongwith an instruction to display the content on the display unit. In someembodiments, the content may include audible content that is provided bya speaker positioned near the consumer.

Still referring to FIG. 10 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1010, contentdisplayed on the display unit may be removed. In some embodiments, thecontent is removed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Inother embodiments, the content is removed in response to determining,based on the consumer location, that the consumer is no longer proximatethe display unit.

Although blocks 1002-1010 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1002-1010 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 11 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 1100 ofgenerating a customer assistance alert is provided. At block 1102, acustomer assistance graphic is graphically displayed on one of theplurality of display units 118. The displayed customer assistancegraphic may have any shape and may include text, such as “requestassistance,” “help,” or the like. In some embodiments, the customerassistance graphic is a customer assistance button graphic.

Still referring to FIG. 11 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1104, inputindicative of a customer assistance button press is received. In someembodiments, the input is received from one of the plurality of displayunits 118, such as when the display unit on which the customerassistance graphic is displayed includes a touchscreen interface and thedisplay unit detects tactile input on the touchscreen interface in thecustomer assistance graphic region of the touchscreen interface. Inother embodiments, the input may be received from a separate tactileinput device, such as a button, keypad, or switch located near thedisplayed customer assistance graphic.

Still referring to FIG. 11 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1106, acustomer location of the customer that pressed the button is determined.In some embodiments, the customer location is determined based on anidentifier of the display unit on which the customer assistance graphicis displayed, such as embodiments that map the location of display unitson a store coordinate system. In some embodiments, the customer locationis determined based on a signal received from a global positioningsystem receiver embedded in the personal assistant and liaison device240 or the mobile computing device 250, when such a device is being usedby the customer. In other embodiments, the customer location isdetermined based on a location of a receiver that wirelesslycommunicates with the personal assistant and liaison device 240 or themobile computing device 250.

Still referring to FIG. 11 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1108, acustomer assistance alert is generated in response to receiving theinput indicative of the customer assistance button press. In someembodiments, the alert includes the customer location. In someembodiments, the customer assistance alert including the customerlocation is transmitted from the store computing system 400 to theretail associate device 230, which provides a graphic or audible outputto an associate operating the retail associate device 230 that acustomer needs assistance at the customer location.

Although blocks 1102-1108 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1102-1108 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 12 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 1200 ofdisplaying related advertising content is provided. At block 1202,related advertising content is associated with a product. In someembodiments, the advertising content is an advertisement for a relatedproduct or another product that a consumer may wish to buy. The relatedadvertising content may be text information, an image, a video, or thelike. The related advertising content may be designed to influence aconsumer to move to another part of the store to locate a relatedproduct.

Still referring to FIG. 12 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1204, alocation of the product is identified. In some embodiments, the locationis identified based on planogram data that maps products to locations.At block 1206, a display unit associated with the product is identified.In some embodiments, the display unit associated with the product isidentified based on planogram data that maps display units to productlocations.

Still referring to FIG. 12 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1206, therelated advertising content is displayed on the display unit identifiedat block 1206. The graphical output of the display unit may be updatedto reflect the related advertising content to be displayed. In someembodiments, the related advertising content may be formatted to bedisplayed by the display unit by the store computing system 400, andpublished to the display unit by transmitting a message including therelated advertising content from the store computing system 400 to thedisplay unit, along with an instruction to display the relatedadvertising content on the display unit.

Still referring to FIG. 12 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1208, therelated advertising content displayed on the display unit at block 1206may be removed. In some embodiments, the related advertising content isremoved after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

In some embodiments, the related advertising content may be targeted toa particular consumer, such as when it is determined that a consumer isproximate a display unit (e.g., in the manner described above withrespect to FIG. 8), related advertising content targeted to the consumermay be displayed on the display unit.

Although blocks 1202-1208 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1202-1208 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 13 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 1300 ofgenerating an order for home delivery of a product is provided. At block1302, a home delivery graphic is graphically displayed on one of theplurality of display units 118 proximate a product that is available tobe delivered to the consumer's home. The displayed home delivery graphicmay have any shape and may include text, such as “deliver to home,”“home delivery,” or the like. In some embodiments, the home deliverygraphic is a home delivery button graphic.

Still referring to FIG. 13 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1304, inputindicative of a home delivery button press is received. In someembodiments, the input is received from one of the plurality of displayunits 118, such as when the display unit on which the home deliverygraphic is displayed includes a touchscreen interface and the displayunit detects tactile input on the touchscreen interface in the homedelivery graphic region of the touchscreen interface. In otherembodiments, the input may be received from a separate tactile inputdevice, such as a button, keypad, or switch located near the displayedhome delivery graphic.

Still referring to FIG. 13 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1306, aconsumer identity is determined. The consumer identity may be determinedby receiving user input via the display unit, via the personal assistantand liaison device 240, via the mobile computing device, for example. Inother embodiments, the consumer identity may be determined by scanning aconsumer identification barcode (e.g., a consumer loyalty card) with abarcode reader coupled to the plurality of shelves 116.

Still referring to FIG. 13 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1308, inresponse to receiving the input indicative of the home delivery buttonpress and determining the consumer identity, an order for the productmay be generated. In some embodiments, the order may include paymentinformation, address information, shipping preferences, or the like,each of which may be determined based on a consumer profile associatedwith the consumer identifier.

Although blocks 1302-1308 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1102-1108 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 14 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a flowchart thatgraphically illustrates a method 1400 of graphically presenting aproduct location indication on at least one of the plurality of displayunits 118 is provided. As will be apparent from the description below,the method 1400 may facilitate an associate's retrieval of a productpreviously ordered by a customer from the plurality of shelves 116 bypresenting a product location indication on the plurality of displayunits 118, such that the plurality of display units 118 provide a visualcue for the associate as to the appropriate location to retrieve theproduct from the plurality of shelves 116. Such a visual cue may allowthe associate to quickly and accurately identify the appropriatelocation from which to retrieve the product.

Still referring to FIG. 14 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1402, a list ofordered products may be retrieved. In some embodiments, the list ofordered products may be generated in response to a customer remotelyordering the products for in-store pickup. In some embodiments, thecustomer may order the products online using a computer, a smartphone,or the like. The customer may wish to pick up the ordered products atthe store, after an associate has retrieved the products from the listfrom the appropriate shelves. In some embodiments, the enterprisecomputing system 300 may transmit the list to the store computing system400, though embodiments are not limited thereto.

Still referring to FIG. 14 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1404, afterreceiving the list of ordered products, a product identifiercorresponding to a product on the list to be retrieved from theplurality of shelves 116 may be determined. In some embodiments, theproduct identifier may be determined by looking up the productidentifier from a database that matches the ordered product to itsassociated product identifier. In some embodiments, the productidentifier is a sequence of digits (e.g., the sequence of digitsrepresented by a UPC code), though embodiments are not limited thereto.

Still referring to FIG. 14 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1406, inresponse to determining the product identifier corresponding to theordered product, at least one of the plurality of display units 118 toupdate may be identified. In some embodiments, the display units to beupdated may be identified by the store computing system 400 based onplanogram data stored in the store data repository 436 a or planogramdata stored in the enterprise data repository 336 a that maps theproduct identifier to one or more of the plurality of display units 118.

Still referring to FIG. 14 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1408, inresponse to identifying the one or more display units to update, agraphical output of the one or more display units identified to beupdated in block 1408 may be updated to present a product locationindication. In some embodiments, the product location indication may beindicative of a location on a shelf above or below the one or moredisplay units from which the product is to be retrieved. In someembodiments, the graphical output of one or more of the identifieddisplay units may be updated to include an arrow pointing to thelocation on the plurality of shelves 116 from which the product is to beretrieved. In some embodiments, the graphical output of one or more ofthe identified display units may be updated to include an animationindicative of the location on the plurality of shelves 116 from whichthe product is to be retrieved. In some embodiments, a color of thebackground of one or more of the identified display units may be changedrelative to the background of the display units that are not associatedwith the product to be retrieved. In other embodiments, a graphicaloutput of the identified display units may be updated in a differentmanner to graphically distinguish the display units associated with theproduct to be retrieved from the other display units. By presenting theproduct location indication on the appropriate display unit or displayunits, an associate's retrieving the ordered product from the pluralityof shelves 116 may be facilitated by providing the associate with avisual cue that allows the associate to quickly and accurately identifythe appropriate location to retrieve the product from, therebyincreasing the speed and accuracy of retrieving products from theplurality of shelves 116. In some embodiments, the graphical output ofthe one or more display units identified to be updated may be updated topresent the product location indication in response to a message and/orcontent transmitted from the store computing system 400 to the one ormore display units 118 via the store computing network 225. In someembodiments, the resource server logic 443 of the store computing system400 may render the image or video data to be displayed on the pluralityof display units 118 as the updated graphical output. In someembodiments, the shelf integration logic 444 of the store computingsystem 400 sends the message or content to the plurality of displayunits 118 that cause the graphical output to be updated. In someembodiments, an audible product location indication may be provided by aspeaker positioned near the location from which the product is to beretrieved.

The product location indication may guide the associate to theappropriate location of the plurality of shelves 116 from which theordered product is to be retrieved.

Although blocks 1402-1408 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1402-1408 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

Referring now to FIG. 15 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), a method 1500 ofdisplaying additional product information is provided. At block 1502,additional product information is associated with a product. In someembodiments, the additional product information is additionalinformation related to a product located on the plurality of shelves116, such as allergen information, whether the product is gluten-free,sourcing information, a recommended wine to pair with the product, orthe like. The additional product information may be text information, animage, a video, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 15 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1504, alocation of the product is identified. In some embodiments, the locationis identified based on planogram data that maps products to locations.At block 1506, a display unit associated with the product is identified.In some embodiments, the display unit associated with the product isidentified based on planogram data that maps display units to productlocations.

Still referring to FIG. 15 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), at block 1508, theadditional product information is displayed on the display unitidentified at block 1506. The graphical output of the display unit maybe updated to reflect the additional product information to bedisplayed. In some embodiments, the additional product information maybe formatted to be displayed by the display unit by the store computingsystem 400, and published to the display unit by transmitting a messageincluding the additional product information from the store computingsystem 400 to the display unit, along with an instruction to display theadditional product information on the display unit.

Although blocks 1502-1508 have been described as being separate tasks,in other embodiments, the blocks may be combined or omitted. Further,while the tasks of blocks 1502-1508 have been described as beingperformed in a particular order, in other embodiments, the tasks may beperformed in a different order.

The method steps of each of the methods described above may be executedby one or more computing devices, such as, but not limited to, theenterprise computing system 300, the store computing system 400, theretail associate device 230, the personal assistant and liaison device240, and the mobile computing device 250. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the execution of one or more methods steps of any of theabove methods may be distributed among multiple computing devices.

Information displayed on the plurality of display units 118 and theinteraction with the plurality of display units 118 is not limited tothe embodiments described above.

For example, some embodiments may control the brightness of a producttag, label, coupon, or the like, that is displayed on the display unitin order to influence customer purchasing. In embodiments, that controlthe brightness of such displayed content, the brightness may be alteredby transmitting a brightness level indicator indicative of thebrightness of the content from the store computing system 400 to theplurality of display units 118 along with the content to be displayed onthe display unit. In response to receiving the content and thebrightness level indicator, the display unit may display the content ata brightness that is based on the brightness level indicator. In someembodiments, the brightness level of content displayed on a display unitis calculated based on whether a consumer determined to be proximate thedisplay unit, or the identity of a particular customer determined to beproximate the display unit.

Some embodiments may facilitate the tracking of consumer eyes todetermine what products or content displayed on the plurality of displayunits 118 is being viewed by a consumer. In some embodiments, themodular shelving system 100 includes an eye tracking system, which mayinclude cameras, infrared sensors, eye tracking software, or any othersensing components and processing software. Some embodiments mayidentify a user proximate one of the plurality of display units 118,such as in the manner described in detail above. The eye tracking systemmay then determine what products or content displayed on the pluralityof display units 118 is being viewed by a consumer. In some embodiments,in response to tracking the consumer's eyes, additional content may bedisplayed on the display unit in a direction the consumer is looking orin a direction in the field of view of the consumer to draw theconsumer's eye to the location where additional content is displayed.Embodiments may also log consumer identification data, timestamps, andcoordinates for portions of the display units (or positions of productson the plurality of shelves 116) being viewed by the consumer. Such datamay be correlated with separately tracked consumer location data.Reports for marketing or shopper demographics may be generated based onsuch data.

The embodiments described herein may also be used for timed promotionalpricing or timed coupons (e.g., 10 minute specials, senior discounts,etc.). In such embodiments, the enterprise computing system 300 mayutilize business rules (e.g., start and stop dates, pricing events,discount calculations, buy one get one free offers, etc.) to definedpromotional rules that are transmitted to the store computing system400. The store computing system 400 may receive the promotional rulesand monitor data (e.g., price events, inventory events, planogramevents, shopper events, loyalty data, etc.) to execute the promotionalrules. For example, the store computing system 400 may detect apromotion and update a price for an item with the price manager logic441. The price manager logic 441 may send a message to the shelfintegration logic 444, which in turn sends a message or content to theplurality of display units 118 to cause one or more of the plurality ofdisplay units 118 to display the updated price. When the promotion ends,the price may be reset and the display unit may display the rest price.Some embodiments also indicate on the plurality of display units 118which products are more popular, introducing a social aspect to theshopping experience.

The embodiments described herein may also be used for real time pricechanging of products. For example, in some embodiments, the storecomputing system 400 may determine that a price for a product should beupdated, the store computing system 400 may transmit a message includinga product identifier and an updated price to a display unit associatedwith the product, and the display unit may update its display to reflectthe updated price. Such price changes may be for a limited duration ormay be based on whether a consumer is proximate the display unit, orbased on an identity of a consumer proximate the display unit.

The embodiments described herein may also provide real time stock andordering information on the plurality of display units 118, such as whenthe store computing system 400 determines that a product on the shelf isin low stock or needs to be re-ordered, transmits a message to theplurality of display units 118, and the plurality of display units 118provides a graphical indication (e.g., a barcode, a colored indication,or the like) that the product need to be reordered or that the stock ofthe product is low. In some embodiments, a colored reorder indicator(e.g., a red tag) including a barcode is displayed by a display unitassociated with a product that needs to be reordered. An associate maythen scan the barcode with the retail associate device 230, therebytriggering a reorder of a product in low stock. In some embodiments, theplurality of display units 118 display a quantity of a particularproduct on hand, a quantity of an amount of the product on order, acomputer assisted ordering system status for a product, or otherstocking or ordering information.

The embodiments described herein may perform a number of additionalfunctions, such as displaying coupons or other information associatedwith a product on one of the plurality of display units 118 proximate tothe product when it is determined that a consumer is reaching for theproduct, displaying content on a display unit in different formats basedon an identity of a consumer proximate to a display unit (i.e.,displaying content in a larger font when an elderly consumer isidentified proximate to the display unit), displaying entertainmentcontent when a consumer is proximate to a display unit (e.g., displayingvideos, pictures, or animations that may entertain a child when a childis determined to be proximate to a display unit), displaying content foran in-store scavenger hunt or shopping game on one of the plurality ofdisplay units 118, or the like. Some embodiments may include amicrophone positioned on or near the plurality of shelves 116 thatreceives audible input, which may be used by embodiments herein for avariety of purposes, such as to identify a consumer based on voicerecognition technology, to determine input from a consumer, or the like.

It should now be understood that the systems and methods describedherein may display a variety of information useful to associates workingat a store selling products, consumers shopping at a store that sellsproducts, and others. Such useful information includes displayed productlocation indications that facilitate the stocking of products byassociates, planogram set information useful to an associate performinga planogram set, shopping list item locations displayed to consumers tohelp consumers quickly locate items on shopping lists, customizedmessages displayed to consumers when the consumers are proximate to adisplay unit, customized pricing information, and many other types ofinformation.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for displaying additional productinformation, the system comprising: one or more display units configuredto be coupled to shelves of a modular shelving system; one or moreprocessors communicatively coupled to the one or more display units; oneor more memory components communicatively coupled to the one or moreprocessors; and machine readable instructions stored in the one or morememory components that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the system to: associate additional product information with aproduct; determine a location of the product; identify a display unitcoupled to a shelf of the modular shelving system that is associatedwith the product based on the location of the product; and display theadditional product information on the identified display unit.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the additional product information isallergen information related to the associated product.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the additional product information is sourcinginformation related to the associated product.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the additional product information is a recommended wine to pairwith the associated product.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein themachine readable instructions, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the system to: display a barcode on the display unit;receive an indication that the displayed barcode has been scanned;retrieve content associated with the scanned barcode from a datarepository; and display the content on the display unit.
 6. The systemof claim 5, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the system to: remove the displayedcontent after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the system to: display a customerassistance graphic on the display unit coupled to the shelf of themodular shelving system; receive input indicative of a customerassistance button press; determine a customer location of a customer;and generate a customer assistance alert in response to receiving theinput indicative of the consumer assistance button press.
 8. The systemof claim 7, wherein the machine readable instructions, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the system to: transmit the customerassistance alert and the customer location to a retail associate device.9. The system of claim 1, wherein the machine readable instructions,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to:associate related advertising content with a product; identify thedisplay unit coupled to the shelf of the modular shelving system asassociated with the product based on the location of the product; anddisplay the related advertising content on the identified display unit.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the machine readable instructions,when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to:determine that a consumer is proximate the display unit; and display therelated advertising content that is targeted to the consumer in responseto determining that the consumer is proximate the display unit.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the machine readable instructions, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the system to: display ahome delivery graphic on the display unit coupled to the shelf of themodular shelving system; receive input indicative of a home deliverybutton press; determine a consumer identity; and generate an order for aproduct in response to receiving the input indicative of the homedelivery button press and determining the consumer identity.